Illustration by David Henry Illustration by David Henry
Eco-Journal, v.16.4, September/October 2006
By Randall McQuaker, Resource Conservation Manitoba
Seven actions to make Manitoba communities greener are among the highlights of an environmental platform that Resource Conservation Manitoba (RCM) is offering to voters and municipal candidates this fall.
"RCM does not endorse or oppose any parties or particular candidates in any election," says Kenton Lobe, president of the non-profit group. "But our Board and Policy Committee have picked out a number of municipal actions that promote sustainability and that are linked to RCM's own work."
The resulting ‘platform´ is not a comprehensive policy on urban sustainability, Lobe notes, but rather a number of strategically selected ‘do-able´ measures in areas such as climate change, sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. RCM's community programs promote composting, walking school buses, the Commuter Challenge, workplace trip reduction, Waste Reduction Week, and an Environmental Speakers Bureau for schools.
Among RCM's top recommendations for all mayoral and council candidates in the province:
1. Climate Change
Commit to a community-wide reduction of 50 per cent in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2020. GHG emissions in Manitoba today stand some 6 per cent above 1990 levels, which is about 12 per cent higher than the agreed Kyoto targets. Scientific opinion-leaders now believe those targets must be not only met, but exceeded, if the earth is to remain habitable for human and other life. Prompt and purposeful action is needed to bring emissions down. At a minimum, this will require greater efficiencies in the use of energy and materials. The other measures listed here will also help. Municipal governments, which are close to where people live, can and must provide real leadership on this critical issue.
2. Active Transportation
Earmark a minimum 3 per cent of the municipal roads budget for active transportation. By "active transportation," RCM means self-propelled methods of travel (primarily walking and various modes of wheeling). Overwhelmingly, municipal budgets for construction and maintenance of streets and bridges are dedicated to conventional (car-centred) facilities. The needs of bicycle and pedestrian traffic are relegated to the margins. And where cycling and walking paths are developed, they are often for recreation (worthwhile on their own, to be sure) rather than for commuting. Many people say they would cycle if facilities were in place to make it safe. The multiple benefits of active transportation include less vehicle congestion, increased personal fitness and health, and community environmental improvements (cleaner air, greenhouse gas reduction).
3. Green Infrastructure
Dedicate a portion of shared revenues from the federal gas tax to sustainable transportation. Make the most of these new dollars. When you strengthen transit services (rapid transit, for example), you ease congestion, increase transportation efficiencies, reduce road maintenance costs, and save taxpayers money. Employees commute efficiently to work. Shoppers get quickly to stores. A first-rate transit system adds value to the local economy.
4. Waste Reduction
Implement a user pay program for excess waste. No other measure is as likely to push up recycling and composting rates. Make sure waste diversion options are fully developed and readily available first, so people can recycle and compost conveniently. Incorporate measures, as needed, to ensure public confidence in the fairness of the system. Don't forget education to help residents avoid or minimize charges. Be prepared to save money, extend the life of your landfill and gain GHG reduction credits.
5. Composting
Implement curbside pickup and centralized composting of organics. Follow the lead of other municipalities like Edmonton, Hamilton, and St. Catharines-Niagara. Yard waste is probably a good place to start. Include leaves and pumpkins. Make a quality product that you can sell or give back to residents.
6. Methane
Capture methane at landfill sites. Colourless, odourless methane is produced when organic materials break down in the absence of oxygen (as in a landfill). The gas is about 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a contributor to climate change. Winnipeg's Brady Road site is an example of the potential benefits. This landfill generates 4 per cent of the total GHG emissions in Manitoba. It is largest single point source of greenhouse gas in the province, and the largest landfill in Canada that is uncontrolled for methane. Pilot studies have confirmed the feasibility of capturing methane at the site. This one initiative would substantially reduce community-wide greenhouse gases.
7. Green Buildings
Require new municipal facilities to conform to LEED building standards. LEED stands for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design." The Province of Manitoba has recently pledged to adopt the LEED program's silver standards for new provincial facilities. The practice is in keeping with a life-cycle approach to the construction and operation of municipal facilities. Higher building standards mean lower energy consumption and increased efficiency. Taxpayers will save money and the environment will come out greener, too.
More recommendations and details are available on RCM's web site at www.resourceconservation.mb.ca.
Winnipeggers vote on October 25.